Government to take control of 30 catholic schools

mohawk · 28-07-2010 1:05pm #1

http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/government-to-take-control-of-some-catholic-schools-467139.html

The information is coming from irish catholic newspaper but I cant find the acticle online.
It was also just on the radio. It sounds like its going to be a long time before it actually happens. Its only 30 schools but its a step in the right direction.

Dades · 28-07-2010 5:05pm

Would like to see that list!

Like you say, they have to start somewhere.

Ickle Magoo · 28-07-2010 5:06pm

About time! Government been shirking far too long.

Galvasean · 28-07-2010 5:07pm

Always good to hear. The more schools that the RCC don't control the less times I have to bang my head against a wall when I hear the word 'ethos' being used as some sort of trump card in relation to discrimination.

Stephen · 28-07-2010 5:14pm

The more the merrier.

Truley · 28-07-2010 7:24pm

Great news. I'm interested in what kind of model these schools will now be run under. Until now I've only ever heard of schools run under either a religious patronage, Educate Together or Waldorf. Will they be like VEC schools?

mohawk · 29-07-2010 12:11pm

this is the article refered to by breaking news. Its actuaaly 30 regions not 30 schools. The majority will be in Dublin which is no surprise really other areas are Athlone, Ballinasloe, Killarney and Tramore.

http://www.irishcatholic.ie/site/content/state-signals-closure-catholic-schools

The more I think about it the more I think that it will never happen.

Banbh · 29-07-2010 1:55pm

The Catholic Church is not going to let go its control of the school system for, without it, the church would be gone in a generation.
I have to fight constantly to have my kids opt out of religious instruction and then they have to sit in the classroom. And then there's a constant stream of special events, Holy Communions and Confirmations, teachers' masses and school's saints days.
The bottom line is that Catholic religious instruction is a compulsory subject in all schools, including state schools and VECs.
Would anybody like to join me in a complaint to the Equality Authority?

axer · 29-07-2010 4:15pm

Banbh wrote: »

Would anybody like to join me in a complaint to the Equality Authority?

Nope because the schools, or at least their ethos, are exempt from the Equal Status Act 2000.

Banbh · 29-07-2010 5:38pm

That's no reason not to complain.

Galvasean · 29-07-2010 6:27pm

I suppose if enough of a hub-bub was raised they would have no choice but to look into why respect for a vague 'ethos' superceeds something as important as the Equal Status Act.

Banbh · 29-07-2010 9:23pm

Possibly one reason people don't like to complain is for fear it might rebound on their children. Personally, I don't mind but if anyone wants to join in a complaint, they can always use their spouse's surname - assuming it is different from that of the children.

Also, a complaint can be made in the name of a group of concerned parents - Education Equality for the Non-Religious - for example.

All it would take is a couple of us to sign a letter of complaint and ask for a meeting.

mohawk · 29-07-2010 10:36pm

I like what you saying. You would need to get alot of support from other parents. You want us to walk the walk instead of moaning on boards

Government to take control of 30 catholic schools

Comments